CLEVELAND – On a cold Cleveland winter afternoon, the Cleveland Gladiators hosted the Utah Blaze, defeating the visitors 66-63 in front 14,765.  The Gladiators improve to 2-0 while the Blaze remains winless on the young 2008 season.

Gladiators quarterback Raymond Philyaw completed 24-of-38 passes for 297 yards, six touchdowns and no interceptions in his second straight Offensive Player of the Game effort.  Philyaw connected with five different receivers on the afternoon, finding Robert Redd seven times for team-high 105 yards and three touchdowns.  Otis Amey added two receiving touchdowns in the win.

Blaze quarterback and former Ohio State Buckeye Joe Germaine completed 29-of-38 passes for a game-high 374 yards and eight touchdowns.  He was intercepted twice.  Sakeen Wright recorded one of those picks, returning Germaine’s pass for a touchdown.

Germaine hooked up with three receivers on the day, each recording over 100 yards.  J.J. McKelvey led all receivers with 11 catches for a game-high 131 yards and three touchdowns.  Aaron Boone grabbed 10 passes for 127 yards and two scores while Huey Whittaker contributed eight receptions for 116 yards and three scores.

Redd was named Ironman of the Game for his offensive output, as well as his 3.5 tackles and one recovered fumble on defense.  Wright garnered Defensive Player of the Game honors for his 3.5 tackles and interception return for a touchdown.

The Gladiators head to Columbus to take on the in-state rival Columbus Destroyers on Saturday, March 15th at 7:00 p.m.